The Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Lucky Irabor, last week briefed the media and strategic partners in N’Djamena, Chad, and gave update on the ongoing offensive operations in the Lake Chad Basin.

Speaking at the occasion, Major General Irabor observed that Boko Haram terrorism, like other similar conflicts create complex emergencies which attract humanitarian, military and other interventions.

According to him, for such interventions to succeed, it is imperative for responsible actors to share and disseminate information.

This he noted was the rationale for MNJTF’s effort in providing information about its activities on a regular basis.

The Force Commander also said that the Mandate of the MNJTF among other responsibilities, empowers it to, “create a safe and secure environment in the areas affected by the activities of Boko Haram terrorism and other terrorist groups, in order to significantly reduce violence and other abuses, including sexual and gender based violence, in full compliance with international law”.

He observed that the ongoing operation is in the spirit of the mandate.

Speaking on operation ANMI FAKAT, Major General Irabor said, the operation is to consolidate on the gains of Operation RUWAN KADA which was conducted between January and June 2017.

General Irabor also informed the gathering that the current operation which was flagged off on 5 April, 2018 was already yielding substantial operational dividends.

Also, Several motorcycles were destroyed and fuel dump, food stores and communication platform were also destroyed in Gashigar, Arege, Metele and cleared of terrorists.

The Force Commander said, that his forces recorded 22 Killed in action, 75 wounded, a scorpion tank and truck damaged.

Major General Irabor explained that the high casualty rate of his troops was due to indirect fire and Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device attack by terrorists.

He assured that steps have been taken to forestall a reoccurrence.

General Irabor also hinted that already 50% of injured troops have been treated and discharged.

He assured the audience and people in the Lake Chad Basin Commission countries of the determination of the MNJTF in conjunction with national forces to deal decisively with Boko Haram terrorism, as Operation ANMI FAKAT continues.